ADHD and Autism Assessment Service - Wait List Reduction Urgent Initiative

NHS Essex ICB is seeking qualified independent and NHS providers to temporarily expand capacity for Children and Young People (CYP) and Adult autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessments. This urgent, non-recurrent funding initiative aims to reduce waiting times by transferring patients with the longest waits (52+ weeks) to accredited providers on existing frameworks. The contract runs for 2 months and 16 days (23 March 2026 to 30 June 2026) with a total budget of £915,250 to facilitate approximately 429 patient transfers. Eligible providers must be accredited on CYP and/or Adult mental health and community services frameworks. This urgent award is justified under regulatory exceptions due to unforeseen funding availability, tight implementation timelines, and significant patient safety risks associated with extended waiting times. Providers should be prepared to mobilize additional assessment capacity quickly to meet this critical need.